The YMCA of Greater Boston, a leading non-profit in the Boston community, will celebrate powerful women disruptors who are changing the philanthropic landscape during its annual SPARK! party being held virtually on October 6.

SPARK! 2021 is an evening demonstrating how the YMCA of Greater Boston is sparking positive change throughout greater Boston to improve health and empower youth and families. The event will honor Shari Redstone, Chair, ViacomCBS with the 1851 YMCA of Greater Boston Legacy Award. Ms. Redstone is a leading philanthropist and business leader, who through her support of the YMCA of Greater Boston, is creating greater access to equitable early education for thousands of children throughout greater Boston, with a focus on combating racism and anti-Semitism.

“I am honored to partner with the YMCA of Greater Boston to create a program for preschool children and their families that will help them to understand the importance of respecting cultural diversity and opposing anti-Semitism and racism,” said Redstone.

In addition to honoring Ms. Redstone, the SPARK! 2021 celebration will feature a panel discussion between powerful female leaders of organizations that have supported the YMCA’s work in the community throughout the year. The discussion will include Katie Everett, Executive Director, Lynch Foundation, Pam Norley, President, Fidelity Charitable, and Melissa MacDonnell, President, Liberty Mutual Foundation and Rebekah Splaine Salwasser, Executive Director, Red Sox Foundation EVP of Social Impact, Boston Red Sox.

“We are looking forward to honoring Ms. Redstone and having a meaningful discussion about the role of woman in philanthropy and how these powerful leaders are elevating philanthropy,” said James Morton, President and CEO of The YMCA of Greater Boston. “We proudly recognize these women as influential change-makers for good!”

SPARK! 2021 is a virtual only event. To register or for more information on how to support the YMCA of Greater Boston and SPARK! 2021, visit: https://ymcasparkparty.org/.